5.4.4.1 Major Spill Cleanup Procedures
When a spill occurs that you are not capable of handling:
- Alert people in the immediate area of the spill and evacuate the room.
- If an explosion hazard is present, do not unplug, or turn electrical equipment on or off – doing so can result in a spark and ignition source.
- Confine the hazard by closing doors as you leave the room.
- Use eyewash or safety showers as needed to rinse spilled chemicals off people or yourself.
- Evacuate any nearby rooms that may be affected. If the hazard will affect the entire building, then evacuate the entire building by pulling the fire alarm.
- Notify Cornell Police by calling 911 or using a Blue Light or Emergency Telephone. Always call from a safe location.
Be prepared to provide Cornell Police with the following information:
- Where the spill occurred (building and room number).
- If there are there any injuries and if medical attention is needed.
- The identity of the spilled material(s) - be prepared to spell out the chemical names.
- The approximate amount of material spilled.
- How the spill occurred (if you know).
- Any immediate actions you took.
- Who first observed the spill and the approximate time it occurred.
- Where you will meet emergency responders, or provide a call back number (if available).
- Once outside, notify emergency responders of the location, nature and size of the spill. Isolate contaminated persons and protect yourself and others from chemical exposure.